Bay-Friendly Landscaping Principles and Practices - StopWaste.org

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic approach to controlling insects, plant
diseases, weeds, and other pests. IPM programs integrate the use of many environmentally-sound strategies for
managing, but not necessarily eliminating, pests. First and foremost, IPM seeks to prevent pests by fostering a
healthy environment in which plants have the strength to resist disease and insect infestations and to out-compete
weeds. An IPM approach requires an understanding of the life cycles of pests and beneficial organisms and
regular monitoring of their populations. If a pest problem is identified, IPM then considers all viable solutions and
uses a variety of techniques to control pests, rather than turning only to pesticides. The least toxic pesticides are
used as a last resort only. IPM offers a great opportunity to market your skills to your clients by providing the following
services:
1. Use Integrated Pest Management
Principles
& Practices
A. Prevent pest problems
Description
Applying the best landscape design,
construction and management practices
to prevent pests is always preferable to
trying to control them after they become
established.
Applications
Design to prevent pests by:
n Choosing a diversity of species that are
well suited to the site.
n Selecting resistant varieties and local
native species, including species that
attract beneficial insects.
n Placing plants at proper distances
from buildings, giving them space for
adequate air circulation and room to
reach their natural size and shape.
n Avoiding over-planting for instant
color.
n Including compost in the soil
specifications
Prevent pests during landscape
construction and maintenance by:
n Selecting plant material that is free
from disease and insects.
n Planting at the right depth.
n Watering thoroughly but not overwatering.
n Sheetmulch, see page 31.
n Keeping mulch on the surface of the
soil at all times.
n Using slow release fertilizers if soil tests
indicate their need, and not overfertilizing.
n Pruning judiciously — severe pruning
stimulates new growth, stresses plants
and encourages pests and disease.
n Eliminating noxious weeds before they
go to seed or spread uncontrollably.
n Cleaning equipment after use.
n Inspecting and removing invasive plant
parts or seeds from your clothing,
tools and vehicle before leaving an
infested site.
n Cleaning up wood, fruit and other
plant material that is infected with
disease — compost the debris only
if you have the experience to get the
compost pile to temperatures over
135 o F for an extended period.
IPM for Weed Control
Prevent weeds first:
n Purchase only weed free plants and compost
n Use drip irrigation to apply water only to desired plants
n Use mulch to suppress weeds. Sheet mulching is an effective strategy that
layers cardboard, compost and then coarse mulch (see page 31).
Monitor weeds:
n Create a map that locates the species and density of weeds
Benefits
A healthy, diverse landscape that
prevents pests in the first place is critical
to eliminating the need for pesticides,
thereby reducing pollution and protecting
the health of the San Francisco Bay.
Try cultural, mechanical & physical controls before reaching
for the herbicides:
n Flame weeders use a targeted flame to kill weeds and are very effective for
controlling weeds in sidewalks and other hardscapes.
n Boiling water, hot foam and high pressure steam both work to kill weeds and
are a better option in areas where an open flame may be hazardous.
Select herbicides as a last resort & use the least toxic:
n Corn gluten meal is a pre-emergent herbicide that also acts as a fertilizer.
The timing of the application is important, if it is used after weeds have started
growing, they will actually benefit from its fertilizing properties.
n Horticultural vinegar, or acetic acid, is also effective at killing certain weeds. Use
with caution since acetic acid greater than 5% can cause skin irritation or eye
damage.
n Herbicidal soaps are highly refined soaps that can penetrate the waxy coating
on plant leaves, causing them to dry out. Some of these products also contain
essential oils that enhance their herbicidal properties.
Adapted from Quarles, William, Say Good-bye to Weed Worries, Fine Gardening, 80, pp. 48-51 and
Beyond Pesticides Fact Sheet: Least Toxic Control of Weeds.
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